Ms Jessica Traynor:

We were not offered a meeting with the Minister, Deputy Catherine Martin. We welcome that we were invited here today to make this statement. I personally represent the literature sector. One of the main issues we face in meeting our goals is the lack of a framework for accountability. We would welcome the inclusion of firm anti-sexual harassment policies as conditions of funding. Until those things are built into the funding application, whether that comes directly from the Department or through the Arts Council or other bodies, then there really is no framework for accountability and prevention. As everybody has said, we are looking at how we can solve these systemic issues from the ground up. I will ask my colleague, Ms Lynch, to speak about the comedy sector which is slightly different.